Sometimes, making a difference starts with something as simple as getting together to play.

That was the spirit behind the Salvation Army’s Play It Forward event in Rapid City, where families gathered for an afternoon of games, food and fun while helping raise money to support local residents facing energy challenges.

For Black Hills Energy, the event was an opportunity to do more than provide energy. It was a chance to help strengthen the community we’re proud to call home.

The company contributed an additional $10,000 to the Salvation Army’s energy assistance fund during the event, helping provide a safety net for neighbors who may be struggling to keep up with their utility bills or appliance repairs.

“Energy is something every family needs, and we want to make sure that when our neighbors face a difficult season, they know there are people and organizations ready to help,” said Michael Pogany, general manager of South Dakota operations for Black Hills Energy. “We’re proud to partner with the Salvation Army and others in our community to help make that possible.”

A new way to come together

Play It Forward is a family-focused evolution of the Salvation Army’s longtime Walk for Warmth fundraiser. Rather than just asking people to give, the event brought the community together to enjoy an afternoon of activities while supporting an important cause.

Families could try their hand at putt-putt golf, cornhole and Connect Four, enjoy face painting and grab something to eat from local food trucks.

Black Hills Energy employee ambassadors helped bring the fun to life. They designed and built several of the miniature-golf obstacles using items purchased from the Salvation Army thrift store, giving everyday materials a second life while creating something families could enjoy together.

It was a fitting example of what can happen when businesses, nonprofits, employees and community members all play a part.

Helping neighbors when they need it most

The Salvation Army’s energy assistance fund helps eligible residents who are having difficulty paying their utility bills. In some situations, support can go beyond a utility bill.

The fund may also help with emergency needs when essential equipment, such as a furnace or water heater, stops working.

The Salvation Army also works with community partners, including local ministerial associations, to connect people with available assistance.

For families already facing financial challenges, that kind of assistance can provide more than temporary relief. It can help create stability and keep a difficult situation from becoming a crisis.

“For the past 14 years, Black Hills Energy has been a tremendous partner to The Salvation Army, helping us ensure that local families don’t have to choose between keeping their utilities on and putting food on the table. Their commitment to matching donations for energy assistance has allowed us to extend our reach and provide help when families need it most,” said Major Daniel Voss, Black Hills area coordinator for The Salvation Army of the Black Hills. “We are incredibly grateful to them for standing alongside us year after year and helping keep the lights, and hope, on for families throughout the Black Hills.”

Play It Forward is a great example of what makes our communities strong: people coming together to support one another.

Whether it's a financial contribution, volunteers sharing their time and talents or families showing up to participate, every effort helps create opportunities for local children and families. When businesses, nonprofits and community members work together, the impact reaches far beyond a single event.

We're proud to be part of a community that continues to show up, give back and make a difference. 

Learn more about the Salvation Army’s energy assistance programs and how you can support neighbors in need.